Environmental Health Officer - Food Safety

Description

Our local government clients in Bexley, Kent, require an Environmental Health Officer to provide up-to-date technical, scientific and legal advice on matters relating to food safety and to carry out detailed investigations, inspections and surveys of food, equipment, premises, land and practices, and maintain complete and accurate records of those investigations. To analyse and evaluate the results of investigations and to identify, initiate and conclude appropriate action, including legal proceedings, where applicable.

Your key responsibilities will include:

 Receive complaints relating to food & food premises, and food poisoning notifications.  Investigate food poisoning outbreaks, taking appropriate action to prevent a recurrence, carry out statutory food hygiene and food standards inspections of all food premises, and Act as 'lead officer' for Approved premises.   Prepare letters, reports, statutory notices and prosecution files.

Qualification – Essential

• GCSE Grade (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics.
• Degree in Environmental Health or other relevant qualifications and experience in the latest Food Law Code of Practice.
• Advanced Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Outlook, Social Media and CRM.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience Requirements - Criteria to be Evaluated at the Shortlisting Stage.

• Experienced team dealing with the full range of food premises-related issues in a diverse business sector.
• Having an excellent understanding of the subject area, with the ability to assess risk and to act proportionately, is essential. 
• Proven to communicate effectively and efficiently in writing and orally - Essential
• Possess the ability to work effectively as part of a team towards achieving shared goals and completing programmes of work - Essential. 
• Be experienced in the use of computer technology - Essential. 
• An ability to listen carefully to others' points of view and influence their behaviour through the sharing of knowledge.
• Good written communication skills, ability to clearly and accurately document activity and consequences in correspondence and evidence.
• An ability to understand and explain legislation, procedures, and requirements to others, improve compliance, and inform others of consequences and penalties for noncompliance.
• Good interpersonal skills, an ability to quickly build trusted relationships, often in emotionally challenging situations, and respond calmly and de-escalate any conflict. 
• Ability to assess the proper intervention based on the risk to the public of non-compliance with regulations. 
• Ability to work with minimal supervision in the community and understand when and how to escalate risk. 
• Experience of the Food Standards Agency competency framework in the Food Law Code of Practice Guidance, and be registered with the Environmental Health Officers Registration Board (EHORB)/ CIEH Register.
• Essential Compliance Requirements
• 3 Years References
• Enhanced DBS & barred list check (Adult)
• A pre-engagement screening is mandatory for this role. Please be prepared for this additional step in the application process.

Diamond Blaque Group, a leading public sector provider, is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. Our organisation is deeply committed to fostering an environment of equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace.